membership
This community exists so survivors don’t have to sit with this alone, and so that people who care can support something being built carefully rather than loudly.
Membership is how we keep this work independent. It helps us create spaces that aren’t shaped by political pressure, media cycles, or institutional priorities. It also lets us build slowly, with survivors involved from the start.
Joining does not come with expectations. It doesn’t require activity, disclosure, or a particular point of view. Some members take part regularly. Others read quietly. Some step away and come back later. All of that is fine.
For survivors
If you were harmed and want to be part of a space where others understand without explanation, survivor membership gives you access to our online community. This is a place to connect with people who have lived through similar things, at your own pace and in your own way.
Survivor membership is £5.
We are sadly aware that survivor spaces can attract people who want to take advantage of those who are vulnerable. Registering as a member helps us to screen those entering our spaces, so that we can remove anyone who doesn't belong. It is just one of many steps we are taking to keep the space safe. If paying is a barrier, you can contact us and we’ll work it out quietly.
Being a member does not mean you are expected to share your story, take part in discussions, or help shape the organisation. It simply gives you the option to be here.
For supporters
If you haven’t experienced grooming or exploitation yourself but want to support survivors and help build something different and designed with survivors in mind, you can join as a community supporter.
Supporter membership is £20 per year.
This helps fund the platform, local groups, and the practical work needed to preserve evidence and support survivors.
Joining gives you access to online groups organised by region, where you can help us plan and build the organisation from the ground up.
Supporter membership does not give automatic access to survivor-only areas. It's a way to stand alongside survivors in a safe, supported environment.
Steps to joining:
Step 1: Choose your membership tier
For both survivors and supporters, membership gives you access to our online groups, plus invitations to our in-person events.
We are working on creating in-person support groups for survivors. Members will be at the forefront of steering the creation of these groups.
Please note, the Survivor tier is for genuine survivors of grooming gang abuse only. Anyone in this membership group found not to be a survivor will have their membership revoked and will be permanently banned with immediate effect.
Step 2: Join one or more of our online groups
Once you have become a member, head over to our groups page where you can join an online community group.
Survivors: we have an online group exclusively for your use. Like an online forum, it can be used to get in touch with people who have shared your experiences to support one another.
Supporters: we have regional online groups where you can help coordinate efforts to offer support to survivors, and undertake research into grooming gangs.
A note on boundaries
This is not a social network, a campaign mailing list, or a place for debate. It’s a community built around care, consent, and restraint. Clear boundaries protect the people this work exists for, and they protect the work itself.
If membership doesn’t feel right for you right now, that’s okay.
You’re welcome to take your time.
Membership FAQ's
Is The Survivors a support service or a charity?
The Survivors is a grassroots, community-led organisation, registered as a CIC. We are building survivor-centred spaces for connection, truth-telling, and long-term change, outside the systems that previously failed. We are not a statutory service, and we are not part of government, police, or social services.
Do I have to share my story to join as a survivor?
No. Sharing your story is always optional. Many survivors join simply to read, observe, or feel less alone. You decide how, when, or if you take part.
What do survivors get with membership?
Survivor membership gives access to our survivor community groups, plus invitations to members-only events. These are all private spaces to connect with others who understand, without pressure to explain yourself or perform recovery. The online community group is ready and available for you today; local in-person support groups will be developed based on demand.
Why does survivor membership cost £5 a year?
Registration for membership allows us to know who is joining and ensure that infiltrators are kept out. It's just one of the many ways we are working to keep The Survivors a safe space. The fee also helps cover basic platform and safeguarding costs. We aim keep survivor membership low-cost so access is not a barrier, but if paying is difficult you can contact us privately and we’ll work it out.
What does supporter membership include?
Supporter membership gives access to our online regional support and research groups, plus invitations to member-only events. Members who wish to volunteer at local groups will need a DBS check - the membership fees help cover that cost. It also helps fund the platform, future local groups, and the careful work involved in preserving evidence. Supporters do not have access to survivor-only spaces.
Can supporters interact with survivors directly?
Only at the survivors' discretion. The survivors' online group and survivor-centred events are for survivors only; however, survivors may wish to join our regional groups and events if they wish, to help steer the work of The Survivors. Supporters contribute by sustaining the work, not by entering survivor-only areas.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. We take confidentiality seriously. Personal information is not shared, sold, or used for publicity. Survivors control what they disclose and can withdraw at any time.
Is this a short-term programme or a long-term community?
This is long-term work. We don’t offer quick fixes or time-limited recovery programmes. The Survivors is about sustained connection, accountability, and preventing future harm.
How does this help stop grooming and exploitation?
By preserving survivor testimony and evidence responsibly, building community-led support, and making it harder for abuse to be ignored or repeated. This work focuses on prevention as well as care.
What if I’m not sure membership is right for me?
That’s okay. You’re welcome to take your time, read more, or come back later. Membership is an option, not an obligation.